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Roman Da’fro – ‘F.U.B.A.R’
Sep
Texas-based rapper, Roman Da’fro, brings awareness to a plethora of global issues through his rhymes. Coupling historical key points with witty punchlines and words of wisdom, he channels into a sound reminiscent of hip-hop’s golden era. Subsequently, Roman’s musical flair allows him to deliver thought-provoking lyrics through animated cadences.
“Look at the picture I paint. If we’re not careful, our world will crumble. We need to get everything in order as a species. The world will do fine without us, as it has before, and will continue to do so,” Roman Da’fro states.
Roman’s musical journey began in 2015. When he was coming home from school, the musician found himself bored and fed up because he was engulfed with school work and sports. Fast forward, and Roman’s father was in a recording session, which piqued his interest. It was fascinating watching him work, the recording, the sounds being generating, watching the digital mixer on the computer. I mean so freaking cool!” he adds.
Suddenly, Roman worked up the courage to ask his father for a chance to record. At first, his father was startled, but soon after, he laughed a bit then said, ‘do you have something written?’ Roman had nothing written down at that moment, but as hours passed, he found himself penning lyrics to Biggie and Eminem’s song, “Dead Wrong.” He keeps creating because it’s his calling.
Roman’s moniker was created during a brainstorming session with his father. The day before, Roman recorded his first-ever song. After sleeping on their ideas for a night, the two went back to the studio. Initially, he was thinking of just going by Roman, but they felt like the name needed an add on. As Roman was picking his hair, he came up with the second piece of his name: Da’Fro.
If you’ve been reading thus far, Roman’s inspiration is as clear as day.
“My father has always motivated me to make music. It has brought me into an entirely new world,” he says.
Additionally, Roman admires how sound can bring people together. “It [music] creates so much joy and people can relate to each other because of it. Getting into this industry brought me out of my shell and allowed me to become my true self,” he continues.
Roman Da’fro’s 5-track project, F.U.B.A.R., forces listeners to take a further look at their surroundings. Thus far, 2020 has thrown many trials and tribulations our way. From the pandemic to what seems to be neverending police brutality, it’s starting to feel like the world is in shambles. Luckily though, Roman Da’fro details what we can do as a human race to see a positive change. “Themes such as hopelessness, despair, destruction commonly appear on this E.P., so expect quite the wild ride all the way through,” he says. The acronym FUBAR is a military term that stands for “f*cked up beyond all recognition.”
When curating F.U.B.A.R, Roman mapped out an entire theme and concept for the project. Then, he created an outline to stay on topic. Afterward, Roman hopped in the studio and made around 12 to 15 tracks, but he only chose 6. It also helped that Roman watched a lot of movies like Dr. Strangelove and The Road. Likewise, he played video games and read books with post-apocalyptic and dystopian themes. Not to mention, he also watched several military films and documentaries, all while talking to a few people who served in the military.
If he had to choose a theme song off F.U.B.A.R, it would be the first track with the same name. “I feel like the entire project revolves around this particular song’s themes, and that’s why I choose this song to kick off the project,” he says. The musician enjoyed creating “The End Is Nigh” because he could push his vocals past their limits against a bombastic beat. In the words of Roman, “It’s rap with a bit of rock-infused guitars inspired by the likes of “Rage Against The Machine.”
Standout tracks include “F.U.B.A.R,” “Bite Me,” and “Modern Savages.”
His advice to other artists creating their first album is to take their time.
“Treat it like it’s your first child, with tender care and love. Don’t neglect promotion. Promo and marketing are key.”
The first track, “F.U.B.A.R,” sees Roman Da’fro speaking on the turmoil that’s occurred because of COVID-19. He also addresses society for being too trusting with the government and selfish in these troubling times. Because of our misguidance, he presumes that we’re “sh*t out of luck.” Throughout the song, expect to delve into metaphors and references toward significant moments in history.
“Our instincts have us extinct from another war/The one to end them all, the one makes us devolve,” he raps.
Sonically, “F.U.B.A.R” is a hip-hop offering with kick-snares, hi-hats, and a booming bassline.
“Bite Me” shows off Roman’s ability to stand his ground while bringing awareness to gun violence. Once the gun sounds off, he speaks from the perspective of someone who’s looking for revenge, saying, “Fill you up with mini craters, send you early to ya maker.” Elsewhere Roman sheds light on the dark truth of gun violence.
“Lacking feelings, we hit buildings and some innocent civilians/Go to war, then you sell us know somebody, making millions,” he delivers.
Ultimately, Roman is letting it be known that there are alternative ways to solve quarrels. Taking away another’s life is not the answer. Before the song closes, he echos, “someone save us.” The beat is hip-hop inspired and carries a heavy bass, an eerie organ chord, hi-hats, and pings.
The penultimate song, “Modern Savages,” uses a beat that’s slightly akin to Joi’s “Tennessee Slim Is The Bomb.” Having minimal assistance from a hook, Roman uses a bouncy cadence to speak on the facades humans put on to get further in life. He also addresses the “one man for themselves” mentality that everyone seems to carry these days.
“Preying on the weak, starving all week, take food from the mouth they gotta eat/Wolves play it cool with the sheep till it’s time for em to show the teeth,” he spits.
Deeper into the track, Roman concurs that the world is doomed.
“It ain’t no hope for us. Lord have mercy on us/Back to the stone ages, withered to ash and dust,” he raps in the chorus.
Moving forward, expect visuals from some of the songs off F.U.B.A.R and a few collaborative tracks!
Listen to F.U.B.A.R by Roman Da’fro below: